Scheduled Live Events

I can't answer for other people's motivations. My observation of two of the Q6 unlocks: On solving a puzzle, maybe broadcasting the answer, maybe sending a screenie or link to the next puzzle, and certainly not saying how the puzzle is solved when most of the other agents are wondering WTF happened - IMO altruism is not involved and it doesn't do anybody any benefit.

 

I feel like we should do a faster job at updating the forums first. The forums are easy to update and understand for newcomers.

We do need to be more precise and clear, but I also feel that people refer to quickly to just asking a question to the IRC instead of trying to read the forums first, which can also cause frustration when we are trying to be clear on the forums and people just don't read.

 

I'd like to see a bit more randomness to the releases which would also increase player access. Prior to Q6, almost everything happened on either a Friday or a Sunday between 12:30 and 2 PM (in my timezone). Which was great on Friday because I have the day off and horrible on Sunday because I don't.

In addition, a great point is made about how things are solved. Yes, it takes time to explain. But I spent an hour yesterday back tracking through the logs to figure out that the silverkey was likely reverse engineered but no one actually explains how they tracked down the key. It's even mentioned in the IRC logs when someone asks how the key was found and no one answers. Taking the time to explain helps as both a double check and to further the skills for the other agents.

For me, that means not only the forums but also the wiki. You don't want to wade through 15 pages forum and 2 days of IRC log to get caught up. Although a good top post on a forum will do the same thing, more people can update the wiki article. It's a lot easier to read through a wiki page that has things laid out. (And lets you upload images so that you can see the clues! ).

 

Let's walk through a scenario. I'm an Agent and I have solved puzzle/riddle X. There is another puzzle directly after that I want to get to work on. I am in IRC and I am now faced with a choice.

Option 1: Tell everyone the answer. This is a uncomplicated way of doing things - it serves the purpose of getting everyone up to where you are so they too can work on the next part. Some people would want to know how it was solved, however, rather than just to be told the answer. Others would want to find it on their own.

Option 2: Say that you have found the answer and give everyone a clue/nudge in the right direction. This would allow people to solve it on their own easier, but some people would just want to know the answer (myself included). There is an overriding drive with many to solve the puzzle in its totality, rather than get bogged down in an early step.

Option 3: Say the answer and explain it. This would inform people of the complete solution to the riddle, including how it is found. Some people would not like the fact that they would not have the catharsis of finding it on their own.

Option 4: Say that you have found the answer but do not reveal it or give hints. This would make some people mad as it could be seen as self serving but it would at least inform people that the puzzle is solvable, I suppose.

Option 5: Say nothing. In this way one could avoid the above interpersonal conflicts that may occur and also proceed to the next puzzle. However, it is a rather self-serving option in the fact that you are ignoring that we are a team with a common goal.

Option 6: Ask IRC what they want to know. On paper this seems a fair solution, except that IRC is filled with 10-20 people all of whom have different opinions. And instead of working on the next part of the puzzle, you're now polling the room.

I think that if you polled the agents, there would not be an agreement of what would be 'socially acceptable'. Like I said, some would just want the answer; some would not. Unless you choose option 5, you can't avoid upsetting some people. Also doing all of the above, except option 5, takes time when really what I want to do is move on.

 

The topic has been treated by puppet masters (confirmed) and what is said now is kinda out of the subject so i'd recommend you to open a new one since you obviously got a lot to say.
I'm locking this now because this is not about sheduling anymore.